iXsystems announced today the release of PC-BSD Da Vinci Edition. PC-BSD is a fully-functional desktop operating system based on FreeBSD 6.2-STABLE. FreeBSD is one of the most used UNIX-like operating systems in the world. Highlights of the Da Vinci release of PC-BSD include an easy to use GUI for configuring video and desktop settings as well as an updated base system running KDE window manager version 3.5.7.

    It is widely renowned as the most stable and secure server operating system. PC-BSD has a Push-Button Installer wizard developed exclusively for PC-BSD that lets users download and install many applications in a self-extracting and self-installing format. There are hundreds of popular software titles already available in PBI format and developers are constantly adding to the growing list. While PC-BSD is geared to the desktop user, it is also suitable for use as a server operating system.

    According to Carla Schroder, FreeBSD system administrator and author of the Linux Cookbook, "PC-BSD serves as a great introduction to FreeBSD for network and server administrators." PC-BSD supports the existing FreeBSD binary package management tool, a method to download and install pre-packaged binary applications. PC-BSD also supports the FreeBSD ports collection, a framework for installing more than 17,000 applications by downloading and compiling software from source with a single command.

    Other features include out-of-the-box support for Flash 7 in native BSD browsers, official NVIDIA drivers to simplify activating hardware acceleration, optional 3D desktop using Compiz Fusion, a slick new 3D Desktop Manager, and a new graphical wireless configuration tool to easily establish a wireless connection with supported network adapters.

    Da Vinci also features massive improvements to WINE, an open source project that facilitates the running of Windows-based applications on UNIX-like operating systems. PC-BSD is a rock solid, fully functional desktop operating system running FreeBSD version 6.2-STABLE, with a KDE desktop interface and graphical system installer. Its PBI system, developed exclusively for PC-BSD, lets users download and install their applications in a self-extracting and self-installing format.

    "For years we had heard complaints that there was no 'go-to' place for assistance with FreeBSD related technical issues. We are pleased to now be the primary resource for PC-BSD and FreeBSD technical support", says Matt Olander, Chief Technical Officer for iXsystems.